PEFC publishes ST 1004: certification body requirements for sustainable forest management

20 August 2024 PEFC system news

The new PEFC 1004 standard, which sets the requirements for certification bodies carrying out PEFC forest management certification, was published last month.

“With this new standard, we are fostering the harmonisation of requirements for certification bodies, ensuring consistency in the implementation of PEFC sustainable forest management certification worldwide,” highlighted Marta Martinez Pardo, Certification Programme Senior Manager. 

Download PEFC ST 1004:

As the first of its kind, ST 1004 combines benchmark and international requirements. It sets up international requirements that PEFC national members will adopt within their systems, to be implemented directly by certification bodies. This will bring consistency to PEFC forest management audits conducted around the world.   

In parallel, for those topics where local adaption is key, such as audit time or risk assessment criteria, the standard establishes benchmark requirements that are further developed by PEFC-endorsed systems, following PEFC’s bottom-up approach. 

“The next step is now for the PEFC members to integrate these new requirements into their own PEFC-endorsed systems, and to guide the process for certification bodies to transition to the new requirements within their countries,” Marta explained.

PEFC ST 1004 was developed by a multi-stakeholder working group over several years. During this time, the draft standard went through two public consultations, receiving over 1300 comments, all of which were considered by the working group. The public consultation is a vital part of the PEFC standard development process, as it ensures everyone affected by the standard has the chance to give their feedback. 

Embracing technological advancements

Based on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the capabilities afforded by recent technological developments, the standard includes a section with requirements for remote audits, elevating the certification process to a new level.

Enabling remote audits enhances the certification process by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and providing greater flexibility. The ability to conduct audits remotely ensures continuity in the certification process during unforeseen circumstances, such as global pandemics or travel restrictions. Remote audits streamline the certification process, making it more adaptable and resilient while maintaining rigorous standards.

Emphasising stakeholder engagement

The chapter on the audit process includes a dedicated section on stakeholder engagement, underscoring its importance for the implementation of the PEFC requirements. 

Stakeholder engagement enhances the social and economic benefits of forest management, helping to ensure that practices are not only environmentally sustainable but also broadly supported and beneficial to those directly impacted.

The PEFC approach ensures that stakeholders are actively involved without imposing additional burdens on the certification process. This balanced method fosters meaningful participation while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in achieving certification.

Expanding auditor education

The minimum education requirement for auditors has been established at the tertiary level, encompassing education from universities, technical schools, colleges, and similar institutions. Acknowledging the evolving landscape of education and working experiences, the criteria for relevant working experience have been expanded. Now, experience in fields such as forestry, biodiversity, and natural resource management is recognised, reflecting the broader range of expertise in today's environment.

Find out more about ST 1004

Watch our webinar recording from last year as Marta explains some of the key aspects of this new standard: